Joshua Weir, a 21-year-old police cadet, used to bench-press 250 pounds and run five miles.
“He went into work one evening, and went outside and came back, and didn?t know who he was and where he was,” says his father, Brian Weir. “This was a kid who was at the peak of his health.”
Joshua, of Dundalk, was diagnosed in June with brain cancer.
Before the diagnosis, he never missed a day of work. Now, severely depressed and losing control of his hands, he still makes it into the precinct to work at his desk and manage paperwork.
“He wasn?t a normal child,” Brian says. “He had to grow up way before his time ? and that?s the good side. That?s the story.”
He had no choice but to grow up fast, having to resuscitate his mother, Sharon, when the heart disease cardiomyopathy would weaken and stop her heart.
“Most kids turn 16, they want to get their license,” Brian says. “He had to get it to drive his mother to get treatment.”
Joshua turned 21 last Sunday and has received support from people throughout the country, from Baltimore to Chicago.
Baltimore County police named him its first honorary police officer, Ravens star linebacker Ray Lewis gave Joshua, an avid sports fan, autographed footballs, and Chicago White Sox first baseman Jim Thome called to lift his spirits.
And when Larry Shockney, a retired Baltimore County police officer who is now the post office director at McDaniel College, heard Joshua?s story on a TV newscast over Thanksgiving weekend, he knew he had to help.
He?s been calling local business owners, doctors and even “America?s Most Wanted”to try to get people to donate money to help pay Joshua?s medical bills.
“I give the kid so much credit because he?s still working the desk at the precinct,” Shockney says. “With what he?s gone through, he shouldn?t have to pay one cent.”
To donate
Call or email Shockney at:
» Call: 410-857-2270
» Email: [email protected]
